Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design software by Adobe Systems. It enables users to create and modify logos, illustrations, and graphic designs with accuracy and versatility. Key features include typography, drawing tools, color processing, and creative effects. It is extensively used by graphic designers, web designers, visual artists, and professional illustrators.

  • 01Pros and cons from reviewers
  • 02Main features
  • 03What is Illustrator?
  • 04How Illustrator compare to similar software?
  • 05Who is Illustrator best for according to our reviewers?
  • 06Illustrator Reviews

What is Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a top-tier vector graphics software used globally by professionals to create artwork, illustrations, and graphic designs. It's part of Adobe's Creative Cloud suite and allows users to design logos, icons, typography, and complex illustrations for various mediums. The software offers sophisticated drawing tools, natural brushes, and time-saving features like live trace and live color. It produces files in layers for independent editing and supports cross-media design for optimal display on any screen size or print. It's highly customizable and integrates well with other Adobe products. Special promotions are currently available for Adobe Illustrator and similar professional-grade software.

Pros from reviewers

  • Exceptional tool for vector and illustration designs: Illustrator is highly professional and provides the best tools for creating vector and illustration designs, allowing creativity to flourish. It is suitable for various design tasks, including web design and branding for t-shirts or other items

  • Adapts to the needs of graphic designers: Illustrator is constantly adapting to the needs of graphic designers. It offers a range of features and applications, allowing users to create any graphic and paint as realistically as with a real brush

  • Beginner-friendly and offers endless possibilities: Illustrator is relatively beginner-friendly, allowing for gradual skill improvement. It provides endless possibilities and ongoing learning chances, making it highly intuitive and a top pick from the Adobe suite.

  • Interactive interface and excellent editing tools: Illustrator features an interactive interface and excellent editing tools. It also offers professional methods for shaping and coloring forms, stunning templates, brushes, and the easy ability to import and export files

  • Matured and reliable software: As an old software, Illustrator has matured over time, making it one of the best vector programs out there with numerous features and minimal bugs. It works well with After Effects for animation

Cons from reviewers

  • Unfriendly cancellation policy and customer service: Illustrator's cancellation policy and customer service have been criticized by users. The software does not allow users to disable auto-renewal and charges an early cancellation fee. Users have also reported difficulties in contacting customer service and resolving issues.

  • Complexity and steep learning curve: Illustrator is a highly complex software with a steep learning curve. Even after years of use, users may still discover new features and functionalities. This can be overwhelming for beginners and may result in amateurish work if not properly mastered

  • High cost and subscription model: Illustrator is an expensive software with a subscription model. This means users cannot simply buy the program and use it until they need to upgrade, but instead have to pay more in the long run. This can be a major downside for users on a budget

  • Limited animation features: Illustrator falls short in animation features. It is designed to be used with other programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro for animation, which can be inconvenient for users who want an all-in-one solution

  • Unnecessarily complex features: Some features in Illustrator are unnecessarily complex compared to other vector programs. This can make the software less user-friendly and more difficult to navigate

Main features

Starting Price

N/A

Free Plan

No

Advanced typography tools

Integration with the Adobe suite

Vector-based design

Layer management

Wide range of brushes

Adobe Express and Adobe Illustrator are two prominent tools in Adobe's creative suite, each designed to cater to different aspects of digital design. Understanding the distinctions between them is essential for selecting the right tool for your design needs.


Adobe Express is tailored for users seeking quick, template-driven design solutions. It's an all-in-one web and mobile application designed for creating social media graphics, short videos, and web pages without requiring extensive design skills. This platform is especially beneficial for marketers, bloggers, and small business owners looking to produce professional-looking content with minimal effort. Adobe Express emphasizes ease of use, offering a vast library of templates and design assets that allow users to create visually appealing content swiftly. It operates on a simplified interface that doesn't require deep knowledge of graphic design principles or software use.


In contrast, Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor...

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Illustrator

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Adobe Express

Easily create social graphics, flyers, logos, and more with premium tools and templates.

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Who is Illustrator best for according to our reviewers?

  • Animators: While Illustrator may not be the best for animation, it's still used by animators in conjunction with other Adobe programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro

  • Hobbyists: These are users who use Illustrator for personal projects or as a hobby. They appreciate the software's user-friendly interface and the ability to create realistic graphics and paintings.

  • Graphic Designers: Professionals who create visual content for various media. They find Illustrator's vector-based tools and features, such as brushes and templates, highly useful for their work

  • Web Designers: These users utilize Illustrator for creating and editing web graphics. The software's ability to export and import files easily makes it a top choice for them

  • Branding Professionals: These users often use Illustrator for creating logos and branding materials for businesses. The software's professional methods for shaping and coloring forms make it ideal for this purpose

  • Illustrator Reviews

    4.0

    Illustrator rating

    4.7

    Ease of use

    4.6

    Customer service

    4.6

    Value for money

    4.7

    Likelihood to recommend

    4.5

    Features

    26 Illustrator Reviews

    4.0 (26 reviews)
    Leave a review
    • Russell Garcia

      Exploring Illustrator: A Worthwhile Investment

      I was thrilled to take advantage of the free trial offer for Illustrator! It gave me a chance to explore the software before making a commitment. Yes, there was a fee to cancel, but considering the high-quality features and capabilities of this application, I found it to be a worthwhile investment. I'm definitely looking forward to using this application again. What a dynamic company!

      September 28, 2024

    • Rebecca C

      Exploring Illustrator on an Old Mac: A Journey Towards System Upgrade

      I'm absolutely thrilled to be using Illustrator on my trusty 212 Mac! It's amazing how well it runs, even on older hardware. Over the Christmas period, I found out that Lightroom now requires the latest OSX. While initially, this seemed like a setback, it's actually a fantastic opportunity for me to explore upgrading my system. I've been considering investing in a new Mac for a while now, and this might just be the perfect reason to do so. Plus, the move to a subscription-only service is a brilliant idea! It ensures I always have the latest updates and features at my fingertips. I'm really looking forward to continuing my photo editing journey with Lightroom!

      September 22, 2024

    • Henry N

      Highly Recommended: Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Design Professionals

      Overall, I would highly recommend Adobe Illustrator to any professional in the field of graphic design.

      September 14, 2024

    • Joshua

      Staying Loyal to Adobe: A Long-Term User's Perspective on the Creative Cloud Subscription

      I've been a loyal user of Photoshop for over two decades, even before Adobe acquired Macromedia. Photoshop has always been my go-to tool, and I was a proud owner of Photoshop CS6. When Adobe decided to discontinue updates for CS6 and introduced the Creative Cloud on a subscription basis, I was intrigued and decided to give it a shot in 221. Due to some health issues and time constraints, I thought about cancelling my subscription. To my surprise, I discovered there was an 'early cancellation fee'. However, after 41 months of consistent payments, I realized that I was part of a well-structured payment plan for a product that I had grown to love and use extensively. Upon reading the early cancellation policy, it became clear to me that it was designed to ensure the sustainability of the product and the company. I've been a fan of Adobe's products for a long time, and this experience has only deepened my appreciation for the company and its innovative sales practices. In this day and age, there are numerous alternatives available, some even free. But I would urge everyone to do their research before committing to any product. In my experience, the quality, reliability, and extensive features offered by Adobe's products are well worth the investment. I'm excited to continue my journey with Adobe and look forward to what they have in store for us in the future!

      September 7, 2024

    • Emily Davis

      Simplicity at its Best!

      I use this application weekly and find it extremely user-friendly! I think there are still many features I haven't explored yet. There appear to be numerous shortcut keys, which isn't a problem, just a lot to remember.

      August 31, 2024

    • Ann R

      Appreciating Adobe's Unique Pricing and Customer-Friendly Services

      I absolutely adore the unique pricing schemes for their services. When I decided to modify my Adobe Stock subscription, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I only had to pay 5% of the remaining months' (year's) fee, which essentially encouraged me to continue enjoying their service to get the most out of my investment. This was all for a service that generously provided 1 stock images a month, and I found it thrilling that I had a fresh new set of images each month, keeping things exciting and dynamic. I find this practice innovative and extremely customer-friendly. As soon as the year ended, I eagerly renewed my subscription and I am looking forward to continuing to use their stock services.

      August 27, 2024

    • Garrison G

      Essential Asset for Every Designer: Illustrator

      In my view, Illustrator is a superb tool for any designer. It's relatively beginner-friendly, allowing for gradual skill improvement. I've been using Illustrator for years and I'm constantly learning new methods! It's overall amazing, providing endless possibilities and ongoing learning chances. For me, it's highly intuitive and my top pick from the Adobe suite. I believe nothing else truly matches it. However, its vast capabilities can sometimes make it complicated. It also occasionally crashes without any clear reason.

      August 20, 2024

    • Alexander

      Exemplary Customer Service Experience with Illustrator

      I recently had an experience with Illustrator that really showcased their customer service. A few days before my contract was due for renewal, I decided to cancel it. To my surprise, I received an email stating my account was suspended. I reached out to their team for clarification and they were quick to respond, assuring me they could cancel my account as per my request. It was a relief to know that even if my credit card hadn't expired, they wouldn't have charged me again due to my cancellation. Their business practices really show their commitment to customer satisfaction. It's made me wonder if there are any national agencies I could recommend them to!

      August 12, 2024

    • James D

      Apple's Core: Unleashing Creativity with Illustrator

      I use Illustrator to create logos for myself and my clients, as well as various types of art. This beautifully designed software offers a range of features and applications. Whether I'm designing, animating, or just pursuing a hobby, I can create any graphic and paint as realistically as with a real brush. Illustrator is essential for any serious designer like me. It can be a bit challenging to master, but the learning process is fun and rewarding in many ways. There are some bugs and system errors, but overall, it's great. I chose Adobe Illustrator because it's very professional and well put together. I switched to Adobe Illustrator because its functions were significantly better.

      August 5, 2024

    • Virginia G

      Seamless Integration and Layered Workflow in Adobe

      The integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and InDesign is seamless, which greatly enhances my workflow. The ability to work in layers is a game changer, allowing me to experiment with different elements without affecting the entire design

      July 29, 2024

    • Angela W

      An Unforgettable Experience with Illustrator: A Unique Approach to Customer Service

      I've had the pleasure of interacting with one of the most unique companies I've ever come across - Illustrator. Their billing system is so efficient, they processed my transaction three times to ensure it went through successfully. Their website is so well designed, it took me a while to figure out how to navigate it, which I found to be a fun challenge. When I decided to change my payment method, I had to go through my bank, but Illustrator was so persistent in ensuring my subscription continued without interruption, they tried different accounts under various names. Their dedication to customer service is commendable. Speaking of customer service, it's like a hidden treasure. Once I found it, I had the most interesting chat with an assistant who had a unique name, Hardon. He was so committed to keeping me as a customer, he couldn't refund the extra charges but instead offered me extra months for free. It felt like a surprise birthday gift, like finding an extra half of a watch in your pocket. Their innovative approach to customer retention is truly something to be admired!

      July 23, 2024

    • Frances Williams

      My Enlightening Journey with Illustrator: A Review

      I've had quite an interesting journey with Illustrator. I've been a loyal customer for some time now and I must say, the product is absolutely fantastic. While their pricing plan may seem a bit traditional, it's actually quite flexible. I once found myself inadvertently signed up for the annual plan. When I reached out to cancel, they were quick to offer me a discount, assuring me that it was the only way to proceed. Later, I discovered that there was indeed another way to cancel, which was a bit of a surprise. However, I ended up paying around 8, which I consider a small price for the value I received. When I contacted their support for the fourth time to clarify my situation, they were so patient and understanding. They even took the time to chat with me, which I found to be a refreshing customer service experience. Overall, my experience with Illustrator has been quite enlightening and I've learned a lot about their services and customer support. It's been a great journey and I'm excited to continue using their product.

      July 13, 2024

    • Grey D

      Enjoying the Illustrator Experience

      I appreciate that Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for vector graphic design and is user-friendly and satisfying to master. There are many online tutorials and paid courses to help learn the software. I use it for both professional and personal projects. However, I don't like the software updates that sometimes cause instability.

      July 6, 2024

    • Louis

      Unleashing Creativity with High-Quality Graphics

      I found Illustrator to be an excellent yet costly software. I loved its versatility and power, enabling me to create anything and apply its robust tools to any digital project. However, due to its high cost, I had to switch to more affordable options. The fact that I can't just buy the program and use it until I need to upgrade, but instead have to pay more in the long run, was a major downside for me.

      June 30, 2024

    • Ruth S

      Adobe Illustrator: A Cutting-Edge Design Tool with Extensive Learning Resources

      I am constantly impressed by the regular updates and improvements Adobe makes to Illustrator, showing their commitment to keeping the software at the forefront of graphic design technology. The learning resources available are extensive and very helpful, from tutorials to user forums

      June 25, 2024

    • Christopher

      Image Trace: A Time-Saving Feature in Design Software

      I particularly appreciate the Image Trace feature, which allows me to convert raster images into editable vectors - a feature that has saved me countless hours of work. The software's performance is consistently reliable, even when handling large files or complex designs

      June 17, 2024

    • Carol J

      A Must-Have Creative Asset for Businesses

      This software never lets me down, constantly adapting to the needs of graphic designers. It's my favorite drawing software. The only drawback is its complexity and steep learning curve. I've been using Adobe Illustrator for over a decade and I'm still discovering new things.

      June 10, 2024

    • Nicholas C

      My Experience with Illustrator: Precision and Ease in Design

      I have been using Illustrator for several years now and it has never failed to meet my design needs. The wide range of tools and features, such as the Pen tool and the Gradient tool, allow me to create complex designs with precision and ease

      June 2, 2024

    • Victoria

      Top-tier Vector Design Software

      As an "old" software, Illustrator has matured over time, making it one of the best vector programs out there with numerous features and minimal bugs. It works well with After Effects for animation. However, after using other vector programs, I've found some features in Illustrator to be unnecessarily complex. While it excels in illustration, it falls short in animation features, as it's designed to be used with other programs like After Effects and Premiere Pro. I switched to Adobe Illustrator because vector was more suited to my workflow than Bitmap.

      May 27, 2024

    • Carolyn G

      Effortless Vector Graphics with User-Friendly Interface

      its vector-based graphics capabilities allow me to create clean, scalable images with ease. The software's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features for more experienced users

      May 18, 2024

    • Matthew Davis

      An Unexpected Journey with Adobe Illustrator: A Worthwhile Investment

      I had the opportunity to try out a free trial of Illustrator and was so engrossed in exploring its features that I completely forgot to cancel! This led to a £23.99 charge for the second month, which honestly, felt like a fair price for such a high-quality software. When I decided to cancel, there was a £131 early cancellation fee. Initially, it took me by surprise, but then I realized it was part of the monthly payment plan I had chosen. It's a reminder to always read the terms and conditions carefully. Despite this, I must say, the overall experience with Illustrator was enlightening and worth every penny!

      May 12, 2024

    • Karen

      Unleashing Creativity with Professional Vector and Illustration Software

      My overall experience with Illustrator has been exceptional. Every day, I find myself achieving better results. Illustrator provides the best tools for creating vector and illustration designs, allowing my creativity to flourish. Whether it's web design or branding for t-shirts or other items, Illustrator is highly professional. I am thankful to the developers; Adobe products are the best design and editing tools I've come across. There are numerous excellent features, including an interactive interface, excellent editing tools, professional methods for shaping and coloring forms, stunning templates, brushes, and the easy ability to import and export files. This software is undoubtedly the best. Adobe takes its design software seriously, and it shows. The only downside I can point out is that without professional knowledge, it can be difficult to explore all the amazing functionalities the software offers. As a result, the work can look amateurish if I don't know how to achieve the desired result. But aside from this, Illustrator is fantastic. I give it 5 stars!

      May 4, 2024

    • Maria R

      The Indispensable Tool for Graphic Designers: Adobe Illustrator

      As a graphic designer, I find Adobe Illustrator to be an indispensable tool

      April 30, 2024

    • Jonathan Jones

      Unable to Disable Auto-Renew Feature

      There's no option to disable auto-renewal in Illustrator. I must wait until a month before my renewal date to cancel, or else I'm stuck for another year. When I finally manage to cancel, I receive an automated email stating that my payment method has failed and they will continue to attempt to collect payment. Despite the product being excellent, it's not worth the hassle.

      April 23, 2024

    • Sean Jones

      Adobe: A Worthy Investment

      I appreciate Illustrator's diverse functions, brushes, and design elements, but find it not always user-friendly.

      April 16, 2024

    • Vaughn

      Adventures in Cancelling an Illustrator Subscription

      I must say, my interaction with Illustrator was quite an adventure! I reached out to them and successfully cancelled within the stipulated 14-day period. There was a minor hiccup where I was charged, but I'm confident it's just a misunderstanding that will be sorted out soon. It's a bit of a bummer that they didn't have exactly what I needed, but hey, that's life! I didn't get to use their services, but I'm sure they're top-notch for those who need them. I'm just thrilled I managed to cancel within the required 14 days! It's all part of the experience and I'm learning so much from it. It's not every day you get to navigate the intricacies of software subscriptions!

      April 16, 2024

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